Since 2002, French law has allowed the installation of radio signal jammer devices in prison facilities to prevent prisoners from using mobile phones. However, as technology develops, jammers in prisons are gradually lagging behind and face many challenges. The new Minister of Justice, François Bayrou, has made it clear that he supports the installation of jammers in prisons to prevent illegal mobile phone use. Although this technology has been implemented and tested in several prisons, its effect is not satisfactory.
Technological lag: the actual effect and limitations of prison jammer devices
Currently, 804 jammer devices have been deployed in French prisons, but this technology often cannot keep up with the rapid development of mobile phone technology. The Ministry of Justice has allocated 3 million euros to update and purchase a new generation of jammers, but the continuous advancement of technology means that these devices may soon become obsolete. Therefore, how to ensure that new equipment can be effective in the long term and adapt to the development of future technologies is the main problem currently faced.
In prisons, the illegal use of mobile phones has become a serious problem. Prison staff are worried that prisoners use their mobile phones to shoot surveillance videos or obtain other sensitive information, which may threaten the safety of the prison. Christopher Dolangeville, national secretary of the Prison CGT, pointed out that the existence of mobile phones is not only a technical problem, but also a serious problem involving security. Although the installation of jammers is welcome, it is not the only way to solve all problems.
At the same time, the prison administration is trying other solutions, such as installing wired phones in each cell to provide a legal and controllable way of communication. In addition, the International Prison Observatory (OIP) also suggested reconsidering the legalization of the introduction of mobile phones in prisons, and emphasized that authorization and supervision are more effective than endless technical confrontation.
The dual strategy of legalizing mobile phones and updating technology
Against the backdrop of the increasing threat of terrorism, although some people believe that imprisonment is a trigger for radicalization, the Ministry of Justice is not inclined to legalize the use of mobile phones. The prison security plan launched by former Justice Minister Jean-Jacques Urvoas includes the promotion of high-tech jammers and the strengthening of computer inspections on prisoners. The plan aims to improve prison security through multi-faceted measures. Although technological advances have brought new challenges, the rational use of existing resources and the continuous updating of technology remain the key to ensuring prison security.
